Retail Business Development Manager

  • AF Blakemore
  • Maidstone, Kent
  • Dec 13, 2025
Full time I.T. & Communications Management

Job Description

Do you have a good knowledge of Retail Operations?

Do you have experience of working in a similar role with another Symbol Group retailer or
Multiple retailer convenience chain?

Have you experience of managing stores or independent retailer relationships in the
Convenience Store market?

Do you have commercial awareness and experience of the Retail Food Industry?

Do you have experience of working as a manager at a multi-site convenience store group?

Location: Field based (South East, Surrey, Kent, Sussex)
Salary: Competitive plus bonus
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Convenience Retailing Retail Business Development Manager to join our SPAR Blakemore Trade Partners Team. Your role is to support and develop the existing SPAR convenience store customer base in your allocated area whilst controlling the implementation of Trade Partner initiatives and ensuring that multi-site retailers maintain the standard required by A.F. Blakemore and SPAR.

We take the word Partner seriously. As such we are seeking a determined, articulate self-starter with a real passion for customer service, to collaborate, support and listen as we continue to add value to our SPAR customers businesses as well as our own, by driving retail sales.

As part of the broader A.F. Blakemore & Son SPAR business, you will be empowered and supported in a family business that encourages accountability and personal development, thriving in a culture with defined DNA and Values built upon positive relationships both internally, with its partners and our local communities.

Key Tasks/Responsibilities

Development of appropriate retail business plans, operational targets, and budgets, in conjunction with the retailer
Monitoring retailers level of adherence / loyalty towards recognised SPAR operating standards and facilitating improvement as required
Monitoring retailer performance and facilitating improvement as required, in conjunction with the wider retail team
The control of bad debt management within the business and liaising closely with head office with regard to issues identified
Providing retailers with information and support regarding the implementation of new SPAR developments / initiatives
Providing retailers with advice / sources of information reference general business issues and legislation (e.g. health and food safety, training, employment law, etc.)
Developing good working relationships with individual retailers and their teams, without compromising the needs and expectations of the AFB Group
Identification of issues that may affect the retailers ability to trade or pay AFB Group bills, and the reporting of these to head office
Successful integration of new retailers as they are handed over from Recruitment
Supporting the Regional Sales Managers by representing the Sales Department within project groups.

Some Key requirements
Essential
Ideally possess Managerial experience in Convenience Store/Supermarket.
Account management experienced with B2B accounts, ideally in convenience/food.
UK Driving Licence
High level of numeracy and literacy
A good knowledge of Retail Operations
Excellent customer service skills
A passion for Retail
Extremely self-motivated and driven
Experienced in Account/Field Management

Desirable
Business Degree or equivalent
Retail Management experience

Whats in it for you?
Competitive Salary plus Bonus Opportunity
A dynamic role in an expanding team
Fast paced exciting opportunity working with some of the UK's leading brands including SPAR
Generous staff discount
Proactive promotion of internal candidates

Market leading benefits scheme including:
24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal
Staff Discount in our SPAR stores
Access to our colleague benefits scheme which offers a wide range of high street retail, holiday & leisure discounts
Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
NEST pension scheme
Company Pension Scheme
Extra Holidays - Purchase Scheme
Long Service Awards

About us:

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK. Our forward-thinking family-owned business began life in 1917 as a counter-service grocery store and has grown from these humble beginnings into a company that now owns 250 SPAR convenience stores and employs almost 6,000 people, with a turnover of £1.2 billion.

As one of the largest convenience retailers in the UK, we are always looking for innovative ways to create a point of difference. Food and drink have always been our lifeblood, and today our business has multiple divisions specialising in SPAR retail, food service and wholesale distribution.

SPAR is the worlds largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 12,000 stores in 40 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UKs leading convenience store group. Being a symbol group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being a part of a global brand.

Please download the job description for more information.

You may have experience in the following: Convenience Retail Business Manager, Field Retail Development Manager, Convenience Store Account Manager, Retail Partner Development Manager, Regional Retail Account Manager, Convenience Sector Sales Manager, Field Sales & Retail Development Manager, Territory Retail Development Manager, Regional Convenience Sales Manager, Retail Operations Business Manager, Field Account Manager, Business Development Management, Business Development, BDM, Business Development Executive, Field Sales Executive, Field Sales Advisor, Sales Manager, Sales Executive, Territory Sales, Regional Sales, etc.

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